HC Deb 20 December 1973 vol 866 cc1602-3

Q4. Mr. Sydney Chapman asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of the Environment with regard to work on the National Exhibition Centre.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Chapman

As good public transport communications and ancillary services are crucial to the success of the National Exhibition Centre, will my right hon. Friend confirm that the new British Rail station at Bickenhill and the new air freight terminal at Birmingham Airport will go ahead as planned and will not in any way be held back by the recent announcement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the cut-back in public expenditure?

The Prime Minister

I realise the importance of the two matters mentioned by my hon. Friend. Representatives of the Department of the Environment and the Department of Trade and Industry will be meeting the representatives of the National Exhibition Centre very shortly to discuss the timetable in the light of the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor.